{"id":4365,"date":"2022-06-23T08:44:09","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T08:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.paddleboardtips.com\/?p=4365"},"modified":"2022-07-22T10:23:38","modified_gmt":"2022-07-22T10:23:38","slug":"do-inflatable-paddle-boards-pop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paddleboardtips.com\/do-inflatable-paddle-boards-pop\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Pop?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Inflatable paddle boards require pressurized air and, because they\u2019re inflatable, it\u2019s natural to wonder if they pop easily. The reality is, inflatable stand up paddle boards<\/a> are pretty hard to pop and are surprisingly durable. Especially the types of quality inflatable boards available today.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, just because an inflatable SUP board may be built really well – and will not \u2018pop\u2019 during regular use, that doesn’t mean it\u2019s immune to damage. Read on to learn about how an inflatable SUP might become compromised, what happens when it does, and what you can do about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Easy to Pop an Inflatable SUP?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As already stated, inflatable SUPs will not pop under regular, everyday use. However, it\u2019s important to explore this issue a little more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the details, let’s talk a bit about what it means when an inflatable sup board \u201cpops\u201d as this too can be a bit of a misnomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike what you might be imagining, especially if you’re new to paddle boarding, SUPs generally do not \u201cpop\u201d so to speak. Instead, if a paddle board has popped, this usually means it has actually sprung a leak, sustained a tear, or has been damaged in a way that causes it to lose air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Do inflatable paddle boards lose air?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflatable SUPs are Built to Last<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Most inflatable SUPs nowadays are built really well. Inflatable sups are typically made out of a thick sheet piece of flexible military grade PVC that is adhered to some sort of nylon, polyester, or rubber underlying fabric. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different companies use different types of often military grade materials, and the different combinations also go by different names – depending on which brand you shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deck Padding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Quality built inflatables have a softer deck than rigid ones. The top of an iSUP will be made of a soft deck pad, which serves to both provide comfort (for you) and some protection (for the iSUP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, along with this base construction, inflatable boards may also feature an element of tarpaulin for extra durability too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drop Stitch Interior<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The secret to rigid inflatable boards is the highly pressurized air inside – so wherever you can, opt for an electric pump over a manual pump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This high pressure is thanks to something called drop stitch technology. This is the use of thousands of tiny fibers inside the SUPs cavity that pull the top portion of the board to the bottom portion.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When highly pressurized air is pumped in, the thousands of fibers keep the board from bulging out of shape. As long as you only inflate to the recommended PSI, you should be left with a rigid stand up paddle board that does not \u2018pop\u2019 and feels sturdy on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will My Dog Pop an Inflatable Paddle Board?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a common question, and understandably so. Will your paddle board pop if you bring your pup along on your paddle boarding trips? Luckily, the answer is probably not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As iSUPs feature a softer deck with a padded surface, this means it\u2019s typically well protected against your dog\u2019s claws. Chances are, if your pup digs their claws into the board, they are likely to only scratch the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would be very unusual for a dog to be able to damage an inflatable, but that being said, it\u2019s not a bad idea to ensure that their claws are relatively short and blunt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Long Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inflatable boards last<\/a> quite some time, especially if you take really good care of them – and can even hold their own against rigid boards in terms of being able to stand up to bumps and scrapes. A rigid stand up paddle board might not be at risk of puncture, but it can definitely crack! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With proper care, inflatables should be able to last for up to (and sometimes over) five years. This does of course depend upon how often you use them and how you store them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Inflatable vs solid paddle boards – what are the pros and cons?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Leave an Inflatable Paddle Board Inflated?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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When you’re storing your inflatable stand up paddle board away, you have the option of deflating it entirely or keeping it inflated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you keep it inflated, it\u2019s important to keep it somewhere away from the elements. inflatables are susceptible to sun damage when not in use, so it\u2019s important to keep your paddle board stored somewhere out of the sun and free from anything that might puncture it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know you are going to be putting your paddle board away for the season, then you should probably clean and dry it off then deflate it properly. Getting it packed in its storage bag and keeping it away from items that can puncture it will also elongate its lifespan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Proper Care of Your Inflatable SUP <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Proper care and maintenance<\/a> is a big deal when it comes to ensuring the longevity of your board. How you carry it from one location to another, where you paddle with it, and whether or not you drag it around are all ways that will impact its lifespan.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some quick tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n